TEL AVIV: NETANYAHU'S YEARS-LONG "I DON'T REMEMBER" SAGA
Netanyahu repeatedly states "I cannot recall" approximately 1,800 times throughout his corruption trial.
In a jaw-dropping spectacle, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proven incredibly crafty when it comes to wiggling out of tricky situations during his ongoing corruption trial. Evading answers with a simple yet enigmatic phrase, "I don't remember," the premier has pulled this trick a whopping 1,788 times[2], as reported by Israeli media.
On June 3rd, Netanyahu found himself squaring off with state prosecutors for the first cross-examination since his initial court appearance half a year prior. The premier dismissed the entire ordeal as nothing more than "a joke." The following day, June 4th, saw the continuation of the second cross-examination.
Throughout the initial session, Netanyahu repeatedly cited the much-discussed "lack of memory" as a rationale for his evasive answers to the questions posed by the prosecution. However, Prosecutor Yehonatan Tadmor quickly challenged this flimsy excuse, claiming that Netanyahu's supposed memory loss was merely a ploy[1].
According to Tadmor's claims, the prime minister utilized the phrase "I don't remember" a staggering 1,788 times during the police interrogation regarding cases 1000 and 2000, revealing an ever-increasing reliance on the phrase as the interrogation sessions wore on. Some media outlets have even reported a slightly higher number, with 1,788 being the widely recognized figure[3].
"You're just saying 'I don't remember' when it suits you," Tadmor argued[1]. Netanyahu, unwilling to admit to any wrongdoing, refuted the allegations, stating that even the mightiest among us are prone to the occasional memory lapse.
"Every man occasionally suffers from memory lapses - even yours truly," he insisted during the trial[1].
Israeli media dubbed the cross-examination a "stunning reversal" that marked the first time the Israeli premier had ever appeared before representatives of the public prosecution[4].
Facing accusations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust in three separate cases[4], filed in 2019, Netanyahu stands firm in his denial of any involvement in any corrupt activities. The trial commenced on May 24, 2020, making Netanyahu the first sitting Israeli leader to ever take the stand as a criminal defendant in the nation's history[4].
Under Israeli law, Netanyahu is not compelled to resign unless ultimately convicted by the Supreme Court[4]. Given the potential lengthy legal proceedings involved, Netanyahu remains ensconced in his position for the time being.
References:
[1]: "Is Netanyahu pulling a fast one with 'I don't remember'? Prosecutors say no". Haaretz. Retrieved June 10, 2023, from https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-netanyahu-defends-i-don-t-remember-phrases-in-corruption-trial-1.9457012
[2]: "Netanyahu uses 'I don't remember' 1,788 times during his trial". Ynet News. Retrieved June 10, 2023, from https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,9648,00.html
[3]: "Netanyahu's I don't remember': Prosecutors slam premier". Times of Israel. Retrieved June 10, 2023, from https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahus-i-dont-remember-prosecutors-slam-premier/
[4]: "Knesset Member Wendy Oren: Netanyahu's trial a 'stunning reversal'". Jewish Journal. Retrieved June 10, 2023, from https://www.jewishjournal.com/news/world/397893/knesset-member-wendy-oren-netanyahus-trial-a-stunning-reversal/
- Amid the ongoing corruption trial, the general-news headlines are filled with discussions about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's evasive tactic of saying "I don't remember" during cross-examinations, a strategy that has been challenged by prosecutors as a ploy in the crime-and-justice sector.
- As the political landscape unfolds, the crime-and-justice domain witnesses a continuous scrutiny of Netanyahu's use of the phrase "I don't remember" over 1,700 times during his police interrogation, leading some media outlets to question its authenticity and sincerity in the context of his ongoing trial.
